Income limits are the main barrier, and they depend on your household size and where you live

Housing vouchers go to households whose income falls below a certain threshold set by the federal government. That threshold changes every year and varies by county — a family of four earning $45,000 in one county might be over the limit in another, or under it. The Public Housing Authority (PHA) in your area publishes its current limits, usually on their website or available by phone. You need to know your household's gross monthly income before you contact them, because that is the first thing they will ask.

Gross income means what you earn before taxes and deductions. It includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support you receive, and most other money coming in. Some income does not count — for example, income of household members under 18, and certain education benefits. The PHA will tell you which of your income sources count toward the limit.

If your income is above the limit, you cannot get on the waiting list. If it is below the limit, income alone does not mean you will receive a voucher — the PHA also looks at citizenship, criminal history, and whether you have been evicted or had a voucher terminated before. But income is the threshold you clear first.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household's gross income must fall below the limit set by your local Public Housing Authority, and that limit changes yearly and varies by county.
  • Gross income includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment, and child support received, but excludes income of household members under 18 and certain education benefits.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen or have may be able to access immigration status, and the PHA will verify this through the Department of Homeland Security.
  • A criminal history, prior eviction, or previous voucher termination can disqualify you even if your income is low enough.
  • The waiting list in your area may be closed, and reopening dates are not predictable — contact your PHA to learn the current status.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen or have one of the immigration statuses the federal government recognizes. may be able to access statuses include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories. The PHA verifies your status through the Department of Homeland Security using information from your Social Security number and date of birth.

If you are not a citizen, you will need to provide documentation of your immigration status — typically your green card, refugee or asylee approval letter, or other proof. The PHA cannot process your process without this. If your status is pending or you are undocumented, you do not meet this requirement and cannot receive a voucher.

Background checks: criminal history and prior housing violations

The PHA will run a criminal background check on all household members age 18 and older. A conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but certain crimes — particularly drug-related felonies and crimes of violence — usually do. The PHA has discretion to deny you based on the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation.

The PHA also checks whether you have been evicted in the past, whether you owe money to a previous landlord, and whether you have had a housing voucher terminated before. A prior termination for lease violations — such as non-payment, property damage, or lease breaches — is a strong reason to deny you. An eviction that happened years ago may carry less weight than a recent one, but it will be part of the record the PHA reviews.

You have the right to see what the background check says about you and to dispute inaccurate information. If the PHA denies you based on criminal history or prior housing violations, they must tell you why and give you a chance to respond before making a final decision.

Household composition and who counts as a member

Your household includes everyone who lives with you and is related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption, plus any foster children. It also includes anyone else who lives with you permanently and intends to stay. Temporary guests do not count.

The size of your household matters because it affects the income limit you must meet and the size of the voucher you receive. If you are pregnant, the PHA counts the unborn child as a household member for income and voucher-size purposes. If a household member will move out before you receive the voucher, tell the PHA — your household size and income limit may change.

What happens if you do not meet the requirements

If your income is above the limit, you are ineligible and cannot get on the waiting list. Some PHAs allow you to reapply if your income drops, but you would need to contact them to ask about their policy. If you are denied for criminal history or prior housing violations, you can ask the PHA to reconsider and provide information about rehabilitation or changed circumstances.

If the waiting list is closed, you cannot explore right now, but you can ask when it might reopen. Some PHAs reopen their lists on a set schedule; others open them only when funding becomes available. There is no way to predict this, so your best option is to call your PHA every few months and ask for an update.

How to find your local PHA and learn the current limits

Your PHA is run by your city or county housing authority. You can find it by searching "[your city or county] Public Housing Authority" online, or by calling 211 and asking for the housing authority in your area. When you contact them, ask for the current income limits for your household size and ask whether the waiting list is open.

The PHA website usually lists income limits, but if it does not, call and ask them to tell you the number. Have your household size ready when you call. If your income is close to the limit, ask the PHA which types of income they count and which they do not — that conversation can clarify whether you are under or over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a criminal record automatically disqualify me?

No. The PHA considers the type of crime, when it happened, and whether you have evidence of rehabilitation. Drug-related felonies and violent crimes are more likely to result in denial, but the PHA has discretion and must explain its decision if it denies you.

What if my income is just slightly above the limit?

You do not meet the requirement. Income limits are set by the federal government and the PHA cannot waive them. You would need to wait until your income drops, then reapply — contact your PHA to ask whether they allow reapplication and how often.

Does my child's income count toward the household limit?

No. Income of household members under 18 does not count. If you have an adult child living with you, their income does count unless they are a full-time student, in which case it may not — ask your PHA about their specific rules.

Can I get a voucher if I am not a citizen?

Only if you have an may be able to access immigration status such as a green card, refugee status, or asylee status. The PHA verifies this through the Department of Homeland Security. If your status is pending or you are undocumented, you do not meet this requirement.

What if the waiting list is closed in my area?

You cannot explore right now. Call your PHA every few months to ask when the list might reopen. Some PHAs have a predictable schedule; others open lists only when funding becomes available, which is unpredictable.